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Introduction
Hawke Optics recently
introduced two optics specifically designed for
crossbows: The SR and MAP.
Today we are going to test
the MAP
Packaging
The Hawke MAP scope comes
packaged in a blister box that includes: Lens
covers, Cleaning cloth and the scope itself.
There are no mounting rings in order to let you
select whatever mounting hardware you may prefer
and to keep the price point attractive.
The scope is available in
both non glare lack and in
Realtree APG HD® camo,
as you can see we chose the camo version.
Some technical data:
The Hawke MAP is compact scope, it measures 8.5
inches for 11oz. weight. The magnification is
set at 3x with a front lens measuring 32
millimeters. The resulting exit pupil is an
astonishing 10.6. Field of view is 50.2 feet at
100 yards. Eye relief is 4 inches. The lenses
are multi coated for optimal light transmission.
Reticle is adjustable in both windage and
elevation via two turrets that are easily
operated with fingers (no tool required). Each
click corresponds to ½ MOA.
Usage
The scope is very well finished both available
colors are applied very well and give a high end
feeling. As mentioned no hardware is supplied so
you need to buy your rings separately. We fully
approve this decision as some bundles you find
in the market just give you “el cheapo” rings
that look like a bonus but only on paper. Being
able to select your own you can chose what fists
best your shooting style. Furthermore some
crossbows (i.e. Barnett) feature a smaller scope
rail size thus requiring appropriate rings. The
scope lens impress for clarity and sharpness,
the image is clear and sharp from edge to edge
and there is no noticeable color shift,
something you would expect in much more
expensive scopes. The exit pupil is rather large
thanks to a relatively small magnification value,
a bonus for hunting in low light conditions.
The
Hawke Map scope features a black etched reticle
with several horizontal lines and some other
markings on the vertical stadia (see picture) .
The horizontal lines are for 20,30,40,50 yards
plus two markings on the stadia to indicate 10
and 60 yards. At this point you may wonder how
this scope may work on your crossbow as the
magnification is fixed at 3X and also the
reticle is fixed ? Well the answer is that: the
best feature of this scope is not in the box…
you will need to go onto the Hawke web site (http://www.hawkeoptics.com)
and download the Hawke BRC.
What? The Hawke Ballistic Reticle Calculator,
that is. This software is amazing: you will need
to input the data of your setup (Scope type,
arrow speed, scope height, zeroed range and ED
Value: either via POI drop or speed at given
distance) and the software plots out the arrow
trajectory giving and a scope label they you can
print out and stick to your scope Flip Up lens
covers that will indicate clearly at what
distance each marking corresponds (see picture)
for the given setup. If you change something in
your setup , for example arrow weight, just
input the new data into the software and print
another label, as simple as that nothing to set
or to adjust.
Since the software uses a method that takes into
account (actual data) how the arrow decelerates
it proved accurate even with non standard setups
(short-small vanes, large or extra drag vanes
etc)
Conclusions
The Hawke MAP scope is an impressive product:
small light and compact is bright and sharp,
coupled with a terrific ballistic calculator
software is deadly accurate for crossbows of any
speed. The Hawke MAP scope can be found online
at under $70. Considering the features it could
sell for almost double that price, just don’t
tell their reps…
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